Cancer treatment centre to aid southern Alberta patients
Last Updated: Thursday, June 26, 2008 | 10:57 AM MT
CBC News
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A new radiation therapy centre in Lethbridge will mean cancer patients in southern Alberta will no longer have to travel to Calgary or Edmonton for treatment.
The Alberta government announced on Wednesday it's providing $33.7 million for renovations to the Chinook Regional Hospital that will house the new centre, following through on a January pledge.
"Offering these services closer to home will help ease the burden families face in these difficult circumstances," said Health Minister Ron Liepert.
In 2005, 580 people from the Chinook region had to travel to Calgary for radiation therapy, said the province.
Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink cancer tumour cells and is the primary treatment for skin cancer, brain tumors, and lung, breast and prostate cancers.
The new funding will go toward expanding the Lethbridge hospital's current cancer clinic, and adding two radiation therapy vaults. The centre is expected to be running by March 31, 2010.
The province said other cancer radiation therapy centres are planned for Red Deer and Grande Prairie. The treatment is currently only available in Edmonton or Calgary.
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